Bortezomib has been looked at as a maintenance therapy for transplant eligible multiple myeloma patients in several studies, said McCarthy. Previous studies have shown that up to three years of bortezomib with thalidomide will improve progression-free survival (PFS).

More recent studies have shown that two years of bortezomib after bortezomib induction improves PFS and causes a survival benefit, although it is modest.

Lenalidomide has also been studied as a maintenance therapy for transplant eligible multiple myeloma patients in three large studies, presented in a meta analysis at the EHA and ASCO meetings this year. The studies included a total of 1,200 patients. There was a PFS benefit in all three studies and a 72% 7-year survival benefit with lenalidomide compared to 50% with placebo. The median overall survival has not been met in the lenalidomide maintenance group.

Bortezomib has been looked at as a maintenance therapy for transplant eligible multiple myeloma patients in several studies, said McCarthy. Previous studies have shown that up to three years of bortezomib with thalidomide will improve progression-free survival (PFS).

More recent studies have shown that two years of bortezomib after bortezomib induction improves PFS and causes a survival benefit, although it is modest.

Lenalidomide has also been studied as a maintenance therapy for transplant eligible multiple myeloma patients in three large studies, presented in a meta analysis at the EHA and ASCO meetings this year. The studies included a total of 1,200 patients. There was a PFS benefit in all three studies and a 72% 7-year survival benefit with lenalidomide compared to 50% with placebo. The median overall survival has not been met in the lenalidomide maintenance group.